Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, left, shakes hand with Lee Sang-hyeok, a member of SK Telecom T1, during an award ceremony after the Korean team won the online game League of Legends' Mid-Season Invitational event at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Monday. / Courtesy of Riot Games

By Baek Byung-yeul

SK Telecom T1 is continuing its dominance in the online game "League of Legends" after clinching the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) title in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday.

"League of Legends" is a five-on-five online game and one of the most popular competitive events in the world. The MSI event is the second most important video game tournament after the World Championship. In the game, featuring 13 teams from 13 leagues worldwide from April 28 to Sunday, SK Telecom T1 became champions for the second consecutive year after defeating G2 Esports from the European region 3-1.

During the award ceremony, the T1 players were honored by being presented their champion medals by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo. Though he retired in 2011, Ronaldo -- a two-time World Cup medalist -- attended the closing ceremony as he owns a 50 percent stake in the South American e-sports team CNB.

"I am very happy to be a part of this scene and get to know the teams and tournaments closely," Ronaldo told the video game's developer and publisher Riot Games. "Esports are already a reality around the world, bringing together thousands of players and fans, and Brazil is increasingly moving towards being a power to be reckon with, just as in soccer and in many other sports."

Bae Jun-sik, a member of T1, who's better known by his video game ID "Bang," said his heart "fluttered" as he finally met with the football legend.

Lee Sang-hyeok, also better known for his video game ID "Faker," expressed his gratitude after the win. "I am satisfied if fans had fun with the match. The match took place in the early hours in Korea and I am really thankful to Korean fans who kept watching the games."